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Tales From Within

A United Nations of college students, advisors and alumni, Golden Key brings together ambitious, scholarly, community-minded people from all walks of life. Members make up their own melting pot—each with a different background, history and culture. Each contributes unique experiences and attributes to the spirit of the whole, and each has a different story to tell. Scroll through the images below to get acquainted with some model Golden Key members.

Kathryn Helmig

Golden Key at LSU has allowed me to get involved on my campus and in the community. Bei...

Chris Carlisle

After many years of just going through the strides of everyday life, I came to the realization that in order for me to improve the life of not only myself, but also my family, meant I needed enroll into college again.  The previous college experience I had was enlightening nevertheless; it was not the time for me.  On the other hand, this is my time to shine.  I have been studying at Ashford University for a year now and receiving the invitation from Golden Key has been such a

Brianna Hughes

When I first got the letter in the mail from Golden Key inviting me to join, I was less...

Oseogie Okojie

As a young student in college, I am faced with one of the most important stages of life. The decisions now made in college have a significant contribution to future success. Golden Key encourage helps scholars to continue to make the right decisions and choose the right career paths. As a member of Golden Key, I am exposed to many service, leadership, and scholarship opportunities of which I did not know where available. I am very thankful and proud to be a member of Golden Key.

Rachana Haliyur

As I began my sophomore year, I was looking for more structured ways to participate in ...

Leah Hammergren

I joined Golden Key back in January of 2010 but my chapter has influenced me ever since...

Sarandos Markopoulos

Golden Key has made an impact on me in various ways. I first became interested in Golde...

Carrie Miller

I am a 43-year-old mother of two girls ages 15 and 5.  I live in Holly, MI, and work in Grand Blanc, MI, at www.gethomezone.com as an administrative assistant.  I am currently a junior transfer student to University of Michigan Flint.  This is my second semester at University of Michigan; started summer of 2011 and take my courses online. My plan is to graduate in 2014 with a BBA.  I am not sure yet what will be my focus but what I'd love to do is eventually have a home fo

Taylor Wong

When I first joined Golden Key I had no idea what it is, or where it would take me. Aft...

Spencer Grubbs

Golden Key has had a very positive impact on my college life thus far and, with the man...

Katherine Lorenz

I was introduced to Golden Key before I had received my invitation because my older bro...

Chelsea Pashnick

I had no idea going into Golden Key what I would be doing. I just thought it was anothe...

Eliot Javdan

Golden Key International Honour Society is, without a doubt, an elite and highly selective society. When my cumulative GPA reached a 3.7/4.0 (top 15% of my class) I received a letter from Golden Key inviting me to join.  After many years of diligent studies I felt a sense of accomplishment as my achievements had been recognized.  Everyone at Golden Key is kind and they are there to help you achieve even more.

Annie Stevens

When I first arrived at UNH in 2008, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do with my degree, and I came in as a Psychology major. I liked the field of psychology, but I became so passionate about my courses in English and Women's Studies that I eventually ended up as a double major in these fields, with a minor in Psychology. I am now a TA for a Women's Studies course, as well as balancing schoolwork and a job, and soon hopefully volunteering at a women's clinic. I thoroughly enjoy all my

Jessica Hinkley

My name is Jessica Hinkley and I am currently a senior nursing student at the University of New Hampshire. I love to surround myself with family and friends and constantly search for new opportunities to grow as an individual. In high school I was involved in the National Honor Society, Hall Council, Key Club and Latin Club while being on the cross country running, ski and track team. By being so involved, I learned the importance of time management and became prepared for the college experie

Jesse Jacondin

When I joined Golden Key at The College of New Jersey I had no idea what the club was.  I recall the nice invitation that came in the mail and the fact that it was the first honor society asking for my membership at college.  I had been in the National Honor Society in high school so I thought how different could it be and decided to join, figuring I would get my certificate and never hear from the organization again.Then I got an email for the first meeting of the Spring sem

Jean Romulus

My name is Jean Romulus; I am the Chapter Vice-President of the Lehman College chapter ...

Olu-Wole Onemola

As a senior at Lehman College, and a second-generation college student, academic excell...

Nakeyah Martin

Two and a half years ago, I had no idea where I was headed. I was 22 years old with a new born baby and a clerical position in a public hospital. I had visions of success, but I did not know how to achieve it. So, I decided to take a step, I enrolled in a Business program and this was the beginning to me realizing my vision. At the end of my second term I was invited to Golden Key, I felt so honored, so intelligent. I no longer wanted to simply be a good student I wanted to be a scholar and i

Jennifer Tomon

Admittedly, I first joined Golden Key as an undergraduate due to the benefits of being ...

Heather Bonham

My name is Heather Bonham, and I am honored to have become a member of Golden Key.  Currently, I am a student (Junior year status) of Ashford University, where I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree, online, in Social Science with Education Concentration in order to become a high school History and Language Arts teacher, or more specifically, I am interested in teaching U.S. History, U.S. Government, English Literature, Language Arts, and possibly Drama.  Thus far, I have earned a 4.0 m

Jil Weiskopf

I'd never heard of Golden Key until a friend invited me to attend their International S...

Kyle McGill

Golden Key International Honour Society has provided me with numerous experiences durin...

Ben Martin

I have served as Vice President and now President of Clemson University’s chapter of Go...

Mary White

Golden Key has impacted me to become a more selfless person. As I work with the student...

Amanda Carmichael

With one year of school under my belt at East Tennessee State University, I felt that I was ready to add more to my plate as a student and I knew that getting involved in student organizations was the best way to do this. I got an email inviting me to become part of Golden Key, and after researching the Society, I knew that this would be right for me. This was the beginning of my Golden Key e

Shatira Wilson

Initially, I was not aware of the many benefits that came along with being a member of Golden Key.  Soon after joining, I realized that I was now a member of an internationally known honour society that offered many opportunities in networking and leadership that I could utilize to help catapult my career.  When I became an officer in my local chapter, I was able to learn skills

Holly Lefevers

I started at ETSU in 2004 as a music major. I thought I had everything figured out - I ...

Zartasha Shah

As a member of GK, I have gotten a chance to work as a volunteer with a talented group of students and Mr. Kamran Riaz at UH main campus. We worked at the Houston Public Library Annual Book Sale at George Brown Convention Center, Hobby Center, Houston Lighthouse, Houston Food Bank, and Houston Heartland in Houston, Texas in spring 2010. I would like to detail some of my volunteer experiences.&

Kirkstern Ford-Turner

Army veteran, mother of three, two 150lb Bull Mastiffs and a college student, sounds hectic and it is. Me becoming a member in the Golden Key started off as a bet between my husband and I. The bet was whomever had the highest GPA gets full access to the credit card for one day. However as time went on and the competition heated up my husband was deployed.  
He was sent to Iraq but was seriously injured which meant he had to cut his education short to focus on getting b

Diane DaCosta

Golden key has opened many opportunities for me. I was inducted as a Golden Key member ...

Brian Kurisky

I was accepted into Golden Key in the Fall of 2009.  I was in my second semester as a doctoral student in the Higher Education program.  I became involved in the different events that the chapter organized (flower sale, book drive, socials, etc.).  In the fall of 2010, I started the semester as alumni communications director.  After our president had to leave school, I became President.  So within one year, I went from a general member (new initiate) to the President.

Sandra Mai

Golden Key has been a great opportunity for me during my undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University. I knew that it was very important for me to not only maintain a high GPA, but to try to get involved in school and the community as well. When I was invited to join GK, I didn't' completely know what to expect, but came to realize that it was a great collection of peers and mentors.I joined this honor society in the Fall of 2009 and was later chosen as treasurer for my senior year

William Wilkerson

I have been President of VCU Golden Key Chapter for two years.  I started in 2008

Rebecca Rivard

As an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, Becky created her own individualized major, Writing in Society. This major included classes in English, communication, journalism, and publishing, revolving around various forms of written communication. She then moved to the outskirts of Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in publishing. Becky's first professional job, as an editor at a nonprofit society, had her overseeing the production of several aerospace journals. During

Tara Brown

I became a member of this society a couple years ago, I never knew how much this would or could benefit me. Not only does this community provide the members with scholarships and amazing opportunities but also gives the members a chance to give back. As I continue my education, I hope to further my involvement so I can give other people some kind of rewarding feeling just like I have and hopefully

Christina Kulp

Golden Key is a network of thousands of like-minded young individuals, focused on inter...

Vyacheslav Strogolov

I have a strong belief in the good of humanity and in improvement of literacy worldwide...

Cecilia Manrique

Who would have thought that a vertically-challenged woman from a third world country could reach this level of responsibility as President of the International Leadership Council of the Golden Key International Honour Society?  When I left the Philippines with merely two suitcases to study in the United States almost thirty years ago, that was the furthest thing from my mind.  I did not grow up wishing I would become President of anything although President of the Philippines could

Nicholas Hartlep

Golden Key has made a long-lasting impact on my life. As an undergraduate I became invo...

Garima Agarwal

I’m an international student from India currently studying business at San Jose State U...

Brandon Adams


Having a child can do wonders for your drive and motivation. I have never been one to settle for just getting by, but reaching for the stars really becomes a goal, when you have someone looking up to you. I have been going to college off and on for the past seven years. It wasn't until recently, after receiving my CCAF(Community College of the Air Force) Degree, that I thought I could actually make something of myself. I started to notice that school seemed like more of a priorit

Hannah Foss

I am a senior in the BFA program at UAF, located in Fairbanks, Alaska.I grew up in Adelaide, South Australia and always dreamed to come to America one day and do something adventurous. Like most kids, I was not really sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. At one point it was a doctor, then a vet, then a Cirque du Soleil performer, then a pilot, then an actor.I started my high school education in 2003, the same year that Pixar released their Monsters Inc. film in theatres. Aft

Jerry Vega

I am currently a senior at Northern Arizona University.  I will graduate in May of 2012 with a degree in Exercise Science.  Initially I was hoping to enter the grad program there and become a physical therapist, but after obtaining a job for 18 months at a PT clinic I found traditional therapies to be mundane and static.  I have always wanted a leadership role in a job where I can help as many people as possible, so when I took my BIO 460 class (Exercise Testing and Prescriptio

Rachel Gardner

I did not know what to expect when I first received an invitation to join Golden Key In...

Housseine Mheimid

I attend the Golden Key Regional Summit on 02/17/12 through 02/19/12 by the Kansas State Golden Key Chapter. It was a great professional and service inspiration for me as well as a week of fun in the Little Apple city, Kansas.I was deeply motivated by the keynote speaker, Michael Finnegan, who emphasized the importance of passion in defining the future. To put it in her words, he says: “find your passion and let it define your future.” A panel of professionals across disciplines – busi

Lindsay Hoggart

As a member of Golden Key, I was presented with the opportunity to organize our campus' graduation flower sale. This leadership opportunity gave me experience in working with a vendor, my campus' facility management, and my fellow members of Golden Key. Leading up to the event I mainly worked on recruiting people to sell flowers throughout the day. Graduation day, I oversaw everything and sold flowers along side the other members. The skills that I got to develop as a leader and organizer for

Crystal Suen

When I was first recruited by the Cal State LA Golden Key chapter President, Jennifer C...

Ruthie Lichtenstein

Golden Key has impacted my life in a variety of ways. Becoming involved with GK has given me opportunities to give back to my community, become more involved on campus, and has helped me to improve my leadership and communication skills.As vice president of the Fresno State (California State University, Fresno) chapter, I have learned how to work with others, improve my public speaking skills, and I have learned one of the most important lessons of all: spell-checking, fixing my gramma

Janelle Colangelo

As an active member of Golden Key, I have been granted the opportunity to realize my fu...

Amanda Orr

University.  The one word that many students want to see or hear.  It is what brought me to want to attend California State University, Fresno.  My academic success and other achievements have made me also want to be involved at CSU Fresno.  When I was in 6th grade, I heard someone speak of the Golden Key International Honour Society.  I was always a person who loved to get straight A's in school so I put my heart and soul into gaining acceptance into Golden Key.<

Victoria Wong

I am known for smiling, always. My friends and family view me as the perpetual optimist, occasionally naive, but always genuine in my endeavors. And why shouldn't I be smiling? Everything that has happened to me in my life--my birth, my family, my upbringing, my education--have been incredible blessings. The older I get, the more I appreciate the small things in life; the things that are not necessarily the most valuable in a material sense, but the most value sentimentally. Being at UCLA, I

Allison Bitter

I was surprised but pleased to receive an invite to join Golden Key International Honou...

Bailey Pierce

My name is Bailey Pierce, and I am currently attending Metropolitan State College of Denver. I am studying Human Development with a minor in Elementary Education. I graduated from high school in the top 5% of my class, with many awards and recognitions. Upon entering college, I became a sophomore at the end of my freshman year (because I entered with so many college credits). In my second year, I was asked to be in Golden Key International Honour Society, which is a great privileg

Janile Nelson

I used to volunteer in high school when I got the chance but since coming to college, m...

Cristina Ripley

This past spring, my fellow Golden Key Members and I volunteered at Jefferson Elementar...

AdbulQuadri Olawin

Golden Key has been a really gratifying organization to become involved in. To know tha...

Jennifer James

The Florida State University’s chapter of Golden Key is dedicated to offering a number ...

Katia Robinson-Lucero

My name is Katia Robinson-Lucero. I am the Recording Secretary of Golden Key International Honour Society at FGCU. Since I transferred to FGCU in August of 2010 I knew I wanted to be an a Honor Society, and I found Golden Key before I became an official member. I wanted to become more involved in service events, develop leadership skills, and be rewarded with great scholarships if given the opportunity.I did my associate's degree at Edison State College and I was an active member of Ph

Craig Fleisher

I became a (proud) member of GKIHS at the University of Florida back in 1982. The next year, I was president of the chapter and did that for my senior year as well. Golden Key was very active on the UF campus, and we organized a variety of service learning events and activities long before people had coined the term. GKIHS was also the primary force behind the university's Honous Council, which pooled together the interests of all the academic honoraries that were present on our campus at the

Sheree Clark

I am part of multiple Honorary Societies, but it wasn't until Golden Key that I realized the importance of being an active member. Anybody, well if you are eligible, can "pay the fee," and viola, have an amazing "asset" to list on their resume. However, the reality of the situation is far different. Becoming active within your Chapter, as Golden Key's motto states, Unlocks Your Potential, truly.I decided to run for President of our Charter Chapter for a couple of reasons. At first, I w

Laura Lord

The countless experiences I have had through Golden Key has greatly impacted my life. O...

Samantha Decenzo

I was sixteen years old when I withdrew from high school and seventeen years of age wh

Chandler Williams

When I first arrived at Kennesaw State University, I knew that I had to become a more involved student in order to not only to increase the likelihood of my future success, but to build my character as well. I joined various honors society and was despaired when I found no true connection to any of them. It was when I met my roommate, the current president of our Golden Key chapter, that I decided to give Golden Key a try. I not only joined, I ran for the vice-president position and was ele

Michelle Perkins

I have watched the last 7 years of my life go by; all of the people that I went to high school with have already started on their masters and some of them have even finished and gone out into the world. Me? No, I am in my second year in college technically. I like everyone else went into traditional college when I graduated high school. I went to class and I studied but I also go sidetracked and found other things to do in my spare time. I realize now that I was never ready for school then. I

Nhoj-Trebor Steede

Once I took over leadership of the Golden Key International Honour Society chapter at C...

Tonneka Caddell

My position as a leader of the Clark Atlanta University chapter has made me proud to be a member of Golden Key International Honour Society.  Volunteering with

Krsity Ryan

I was recently invited to join Golden Key after a year and a half of enrollment at Ashford University.  Receiving an invitation to Golden Key was a goal I set for myself within weeks of enrolling.  I pestered my Advisor to find out every day on when I would be eligible for consideration and making sure I completed all the requirements.  I know being a member of Golden Key will bring me one step closer to my goal, allow me connect with like minded individuals, and open new doors

Daniel Popoola

Being a member of Golden Key especially an officer is one of my first and hallmark achievements in college. My first leadership role in college was becoming an officer of Golden Key and within 1 year, I now effectively function in at least 5 executive positions on my campus including being the president of my GK chapter and at the same time, I maintain an excellent academic record. Golden Key pivoted the exposure of the leadership potentials in me and provided a field for me to develop them.

Angela Parks

I am a senior at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. I am 27-years-old. I am majoring in Social Work and I graduate with my Bachelor's on May 5, 2012. I am apart of three honor societies (Golden Key, Mortar Board, & Omicron Delta Kappa). I have been apart of Golden Key since Spring 2011. I am currently serving as the Director of Membership for our Golden Key chapter for 2011-2012. I am a very active member and love to help out where ever I can. I am also apart of numerous organizations on a

Tara Winters

My family tells me that I have always had a book in my hands. My grandmother would place me in my high chair, and I would look at books (even though I could not yet read them) for hours. I suppose one could say I was meant for academia.  My professional life has been long and circuitous, but eventually led me to a Doctor of Naturopathy degree.  I have worked in the field of natural health for over a decade.  A disability acquired in 2010 provided me an opportunity to lea

Wilber Lio

Our Associate Director was invited as the Keynote Speaker at a nearby chapter’s Inducti...

Kelsey Schirm

When I was in my sophomore year of college at Iowa State University it seemed like I was getting an invitation to some sort of honor society on weekly basis. Although I looked through each one, none seemed to fit my personality or were able to meet my needs. When I received my invitation from Golden Key that all changed though. As I was perusing the website I instantly felt as though this was the honor society for me. The opportunities it offered me and the international presence both interes

Share Your Story

How has Golden Key made an impact on your life? Send us your story and you could be chosen for a feature on the website. Send an email with your full name, chapter, a high-resolution headshot and your Golden Key story to stories@goldenkey.org. Be sure to mention if you are a leader in the Society.